How to Fix a 2017 Ford Super Duty Tailgate That Won’t Open: A Step-by-Step Guide

The tailgate of 2017 Super Duty cannot be opened.

2017 Super Duty Tailgate Won’T Open

The 2017 Super Duty Tailgate Won’t Open problem is a commonplace issue for many owners of Ford Super Duty pickups. Fortunately, the fix is usually simple and straightforward. People often find that the key to unlocking the tailgate of their 2017 Super Duty truck is by simply manipulating the latch on its mechanism while pushing the tailgate handle downward. In some cases, adjustment of the actuator or another related component may be necessary to rectify the issue. Given that this issue is fairly common, there are several repair videos and tutorials online that can help with diagnosis and subsequent resolution steps.

No matter how perplexing the unique circumstances may seem, when dealing with a 2017 Super Duty Tailgate Won’t Open situation you should keep an open mind and investigate different solutions one by one until you find one that works. Most importantly, if any kind of modification is necessary be sure to thoroughly understand what you are doing before attempting to make any changes.

Troubleshooting:

When your 2017 Super Duty tailgate won’t open, it can be a very frustrating experience. Fortunately, there are a few troubleshooting techniques that you can use to help you diagnose the issue. Common causes of tailgate latch issues include improper maintenance and worn-out hardware.

Common Causes

Improper maintenance of the tailgate latch is one of the primary causes of a stuck or malfunctioning tailgate. Over time, dirt and rust can accumulate on the latch, causing it to stick or not open properly. Worn-out pieces of hardware can also be responsible for tailgate issues as they may have become loose or worn down over time due to regular use.

Repair Strategies

The most common repair strategies for a stuck or malfunctioning tailgate include lubricating the tailgate latches and replacing any damaged components. Lubricating the latches with WD-40 or other lubricants can help to loosen up any dirt or rust that may be causing it to stick and make it easier to open and close. If any pieces of hardware are damaged, they should be replaced with new ones as soon as possible in order to ensure that your tailgate functions properly.

Rear Door Handle Replacement

If your rear door handle is broken or malfunctioning, you may need to replace it in order to get your 2017 Super Duty tailgate open again. In order to do this, you will need to remove the door panel and then install the new rear door handle assembly. This process requires some technical skill so it is best left to a professional if possible.

Unsticking Tailgate Hinges

If your hinges are stuck due to dirt or corrosion, there are a few things that you can try in order to get them unstuck and working again. Applying moisture such as WD-40, water, or even vinegar can help loosen up any dirt that may be causing them to stick and make them easier to move again. Additionally, treating them with penetrating oil such as Liquid Wrench can also help break up any rust or corrosion that may be preventing them from moving smoothly again.

2017 Super Duty Tailgate Won’t Open

The 2017 Super Duty tailgate may not open due to a variety of issues. The most common cause is a worn or broken latch assembly, which can be caused by exposure to harsh weather conditions or excessive force when opening the tailgate. In some cases, the outside release cable may need to be replaced. In any case, it is important to thoroughly inspect all components before attempting any repairs.

Detailing The Latch Assembly

The first step in troubleshooting why the 2017 Super Duty tailgate wont open is to detail the latch assembly. This involves separating all of the parts for cleaning and eliminating rust and grime. It is best to use a degreaser or rust remover for this task. Once all of the parts are clean, they should be reassembled in order to check for proper operation before proceeding with any further repairs.

Accessing The Tailgate Latch Area

In order to access the tailgate latch area, it is necessary to remove the inner panel from the bed area and disconnect all of the electrical connectors from the tailgate. This will allow you access to inspect and replace any damaged parts as needed. It is also important to note that if there are any visible signs of wear and tear on any component, it should be replaced immediately in order to prevent further damage and ensure proper operation of the tailgate latch assembly.

Replacing Outside Release Cable

If it has been determined that the outside release cable needs replacing, then it will be necessary to remove the trim cover in order to reveal the cables that need reconnecting for proper operation of the release handle. Depending on your model of truck, this procedure may vary slightly but should still involve replacing or repairing any damaged components as needed.

Inspection Of Undamaged Components

Once all repairs have been made, it is important to inspect all undamaged components before re-installing them into their respective locations within the tailgate system. This includes inspecting linkage mechanisms, examining nuts, bolts, washers and interconnecting links for any signs of wear or damage that could affect performance or cause further problems down the road. If anything appears out of place or damaged beyond repair then they should be replaced immediately in order avoid additional issues with your 2017 Super Duty tailgate system down the line.

FAQ & Answers

Q: How do I troubleshoot my 2017 Super Duty Tailgate Won’t Open?
A: Troubleshooting your 2017 Super Duty Tailgate will involve determining if the issue is related to latch or hardware problems. Common causes of this issue include improper maintenance of the tailgate latch, worn-out pieces of hardware, and other mechanical issues. To troubleshoot this issue, you should first begin with lubricating the tailgate latches and replacing any damaged components.

Q: How do I replace the rear door handle on my 2017 Super Duty?
A: To replace the rear door handle on your 2017 Super Duty, you will need to first remove the door panel, followed by installing the new rear door handle assembly. Make sure to disconnect any electrical connectors from the tailgate before removing it.

Q: How can I unstick my tailgate hinges?
A: To unstick your tailgate hinges, you can try applying moisture and heat to them or treating them with penetrating oil. This should help loosen up any rust or grime that has built up over time.

Q: How do I detail the latch assembly of my 2017 Super Duty?
A: Detailing the latch assembly on your 2017 Super Duty involves separating all its parts for cleaning and reassembling them afterwards. Make sure to eliminate any rust or grime build-up before reassembling it back together.

Q: How do I access the tailgate latch area on my 2017 Super Duty?
A: Accessing the tailgate latch area on your 2017 Super Duty requires removing an inner panel from the bed area as well as any electrical connectors from the tailgate itself. It is also important to disconnect any cables connected to an outside release handle before attempting to access this area.

After thoroughly researching the issue, it is clear that the 2017 Super Duty tailgate won’t open due to a faulty latch mechanism. To fix this issue, the latch mechanism needs to be replaced or repaired. This can be done by a qualified technician or a local automotive repair shop. Doing so will ensure that the tailgate will open properly and safely.